Innovations in Pancreatic Cancer Treatment: The Promising Future of Irreversible Electroporation (IRE)
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging forms of cancer to treat, with a five-year survival rate of only 15.9%. However, recent advancements in medical technology offer new hope. Here are the key points of how IRE has shown promising results in treating patients with pancreatic cancer, offering valuable insights into the future of non-surgical cancer treatments.
Irreversible Electroporation: A Breakthrough in Cancer Treatment
Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) is a revolutionary procedure that has shown significant promise in treating pancreatic cancer. Developed in the United States and recognized as a new medical technology, IRE involves inserting electrodes around cancer tissue and applying high-voltage electrical pulses to targeted cells. The procedure eliminates the inflammatory tissue damage caused by thermal or chemical energy.
How IRE Works?
IRE works by creating microscopic holes in the cell membranes of cancer cells. When exposing to the rough high electronic environment, electrified cells are forced to burst. The cell death induces immune responses within the patient, essentially acting as a personalized cancer vaccine. If the treatment results in a tumor being eliminated and cell death, they expose the immune system to cancer cells, which can power itself in eliminating future cancers or tumors.
The Search for a Treatment
Survival and Recovery Times
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most elusive and toughest cancers to combat. This is because they are usually localized near veins, arteries, vital tissue, and other organs, making it impossible to surgically excise the tissue without causing inflicting more collateral damage. IRE offers a solution, making it possible to treat this form of cancer by using electrodes to the tumor, improving survival times, and memory by up to 9 months.
Increased Lifespan
Dr. Kim Man-deuk and Dr. Kwon Joon-ho, of Severance Hospital, conducted a groundbreaking study on IRE. Treatment of IRE was administered to 13 patients, who were deemed unable to undergo surgery. The study demonstrated clear improvements in survival rates, with the average survival period increasing from 11-14 months to 20.7 months. The new treatment procedure revealed notable improvements in survival and recovery times, extending the average survival period to 43.9 months from 17-27 months after diagnosis.
Effective and Fast Treatment
Right-sized electrodes can easily be inserted into the cancer cells, penetrating into the tissue without causing thermal damage or causing harm. Innovations in the equipment, such as the EPO system developed by Dust Standard, have further enhanced the effectiveness in several ways:
Ease of Use
The multi-electrode system allows for 3-4 electrodes to be inserted at once, whereas older equipment required electroidan insertion, making surgical accuracy a concern. By reducing the insertion time and number of electrodes needed to penetrate tissue, the procedure time was reduced by over 50%.
Real-World Data: Success Stories
The success of IRE is not just theoretical. Professor Kim conducted a successful study to treat 13 inoperable pancreatic cancer patients, demonstrating significant clinical improvements. Compared to traditional methods, IRE extended the survival periods of patients, making it a viable alternative for those who cannot undergo surgery or benefit from chemotherapy.
Maximizing Efficacy with the EPO System
The EPO system, developed by Dust Standard, is a game-changer. This cutting-edge technology allows for the insertion of 3-4 small electrodes at once, thanks to the multi-electrode system. Compared to existing systems, this advancement reduces procedural complexity and length, making it a more viable and practical treatment option.
The Future of Cancer Treatment
The advancements in IRE technologies, specifically with electroporation, will likely see significant growth in treatments for difficult pathways of pancreatic cancer. Improved efficacy and reduced procedure time make treatment accessible to many more patients.
With such encouraging results, the use and experimentation of IRE treatment will likely expand to other cancers that are difficult to target.
FAQs About Irreversible Electroporation (IRE)
Here are some answers to some common questions regarding electrification and irreversible electroporation.
Q: What is the survival rate of pancreatic cancer?
A: Pancreatic cancer’s five-year survival rate is 15.9%.
Q: How does IRE kill cancer cells?
A: IRE creates microscopic holes in cancer cell membranes, leading to cell death and promoting immune responses.
Q: What are the advantages of the EPO system over traditional IRE equipment?
A: The EPO system allows for the insertion of multiple small electrodes simultaneously, reducing procedure time by over 50% and enhancing overall treatment efficacy.
Q: How long does the average IRE procedure take?
A: With advanced systems like the EPO, the average procedure time is significantly reduced.
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IT’S SO AMAZING
Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) is emerging as an exemplary option for pancreatic cancer due to the ability to eradicate localized tumors while reducing collateral damage. Continued research will make IRE a mainstream treatment option, eliminating cancerations in a less invasive fashion.
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